Circle around toy device

ABSTRACT

A toy device for challenging a user&#39;s skill and acumen while providing both fun and exercise is provided. The toy device comprises a circular hoop having a center hub, a plurality of spokes extending from the center hub, and an outer rim surrounding the plurality of spokes. An elongated catch pole is provided having a first end and a second end with the second end of the catch pole having a hook. The hook formed on the second end of the catch pole is capable of rolling the circular hoop positioned in a vertical manner upon the outer rim. The catch pole is capable of manipulating the circular hoop through skilled turns and twists and to stop the motion of the hoop at conclusion of play.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119(e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/077,767 filed Nov. 10, 2014, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Circle Around Toy.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of personal entertainment, and more specifically to the field of physically playable toys.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Toys and games have been around as long as children have been around. While the materials and technology have changed over the years, the toys of today are very much like the toys with which ancient children played such as dolls, hoops, handmade animals, little weapons, vehicles and boats. Despite a foreboding concern that traditional toys would suffer in popularity from an onslaught of computer, video and handheld forms of play, traditional toys continue to flourish. While toy fads come and go, some toys remain timeless classics. Simplistic in design and appealing to a wide age range, traditional toys are the ones that children play with over and over, long after this season's hot new item is consigned to the bottom of the toy chest.

The prior art has put forth several designs for physically playable toys. Among these are:

U.S. Pat. No. 3,881,277 to Carl Amburgey and Bob Delph describes a roll o wheel toy device comprised of a hollow or solid tube formed into a circle to define a hoop, a pushing and guide stick having a handle portion and a head portion including a pusher member extending longitudinally along the stick. The said member has an arcuate groove extending therealong adapted to receive the periphery of the hoop therein for guiding and propelling the hoop. The head portion further includes rod members extending transversely in symmetrical manners on each side of the stick and adapted for use in the guiding and manipulating of the hoop in any desired path.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,233,361 to William U. Conaghan describes a child's rolling wheel that incorporates a noise producing means in the form of a pair of bound boxes attached to opposite sides of the wheel. The projected noise makes the toy more fun and attractive to children. Another significant object of this invention is to provide a combined wheel and control stick or handle. The sound boxes are removable if desired. This invention provides both a sturdy toy that is highly attractive in appearance and manner of use and a toy that is simply constructed and capable of an economical manufacture.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,984,937 to Bibian J. Rendon describes a hoop of a tubular plastic construction with ends which are joined together by means of a small dowel secured thereto by staples. Prior to the securement of the ends of the tubular hoop to the dowel, the hoop is packed with sand or other fill material in such a manner that the sand leaves only enough space in the ends of the tube to admit the dowel, less a small fraction which will be disposed in between the two ends of the secured hoop. The sand is packed, the dowel is inserted and the two ends of the hoop are urged together over the dowel. After sufficient packing of the sand has been made, staples are inserted through the hoop and dowel to secure the same. In this manner the hoop is constructed to be very heavy in character by virtue of the inclusion of sand in its interior and the sand being packed within the tube by the dowel. If the sand sufficiently fills the hoop interior, then the ends of the hoop never quite meet, but rather remain a fraction of an inch apart. This fraction of an inch is offset is to ensure that the sand is completely packed within the hoop and there will be no sand shifting therewithin. The control stick of the combination is preferably formed wire having a down over and up configured hook in the end thereof. The hook joins the handle portion of the stick in such a manner that the hook lies in a vertical plane directly in front of the user when the same engages the hoop in retrieve position. When the hoop is urged forwardly by the control stick then the latter is lowered and withdrawn from the hoop. The bottom of the hook portion of the control stick functions to urge the hoop forwardly with the legs up portions of the hoop serving as guides for the hoop.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a circular hoop toy that is manipulated into motion by a user holding a companion telescoping catch pole.

The present invention is a toy device for challenging a user's skill and acumen while providing both fun and exercise. The toy device comprises a circular hoop having a center hub, a plurality of spokes extending from the center hub, and an outer rim surrounding the plurality of spokes. An elongated catch pole is provided having a first end and a second end with the second end of the catch pole having a hook. The hook formed on the second end of the catch pole is capable of rolling the circular hoop positioned in a vertical manner upon the outer rim. The catch pole is capable of manipulating the circular hoop through skilled turns and twists and to stop the motion of the hoop at conclusion of play.

In addition, the present invention includes a method for challenging a user's skill and acumen while providing both fun and exercise. The method comprises providing a circular hoop having a center hub, a plurality of spokes extending from the center hub, and an outer rim surrounding the plurality of spokes, providing an elongated catch pole having a first end and a second end, forming a hook at the second end of the catch pole, positioning the circular hoop in a vertical manner upon the outer rim, manipulating the circular hoop through skilled turns and twists, and stopping the motion of the hoop at conclusion of play.

The present invention further includes a toy device for challenging a user's skill and acumen while providing both fun and exercise. The toy device comprises a circular hoop having a center hub, a plurality of spokes extending from the center hub, and an outer rim surrounding the plurality of spokes. An elongated catch pole is provided having a first end and a second end. The catch pole has an adjustable length with the second end of the catch pole having a hook. A tether strap is secured to the first end of the catch pole. The hook formed at the second end of the catch pole has a configuration similar to a letter J angled backwards. The hook formed on the second end of the catch pole is capable of rolling the circular hoop positioned in a vertical manner upon the outer rim. The catch pole is capable of manipulating the circular hoop through skilled turns and twists and to stop the motion of the hoop at conclusion of play.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a prototypical illustrative back view of the present invention's catch pole component which is manufactured with hollowed core stainless steel.

FIG. 2 is a prototypical illustrative top down diagonal view of the present invention's catch pole component showing a wrist tether, a foam insulated handle and a metal hook.

FIG. 3 is a prototypical illustrative side view of the present invention's circular hoop component that contains spokes culminating in a hub along with approximately three reflective strips integrated on the external side of the hub plate.

FIG. 4 is a prototypical illustrative top down side view of the present invention's catch pole component showing a wrist tether, a foam insulated handle and a metal hook.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, hereinafter referred to as the circle around toy device, indicated generally at 10, is a hoop and pole toy. The toy device 10 provides young children and adults with hours of fun filled, interactive amusement and also doubles as a handy fitness tool. The present invention comprises a circular hoop 12 that is manipulated into motion with a companion telescoping catch pole 14. The toy device 10 challenges a user's skill and acumen while providing both fun and exercise.

The circular hoop 12 of the toy device 10 of the present invention is preferably manufactured of a durable yet lightweight aluminum or stainless steel material although constructing the circular hoop 12 from other materials is within the scope of the present invention. Functioning as a simple rollable wheel, the circular hoop 12 contains approximately six inner spokes 16 integrally culminating in a hub plated center 18 on the inside and an outer rim 20 on the outside. Having a hollow core, the circular hoop 12 is produced in various diameters to accommodate a user's age, height, and skill level.

Elongated and tubular in shape, the companion catch pole 14 of the toy device 10 of the present invention is preferably manufactured of lightweight stainless steel although constructing the catch pole 14 from other materials is within the scope of the present invention. The catch pole 14 has a first end and a second end with a practical tether strap 22 supplied at the first or proximal end of the catch pole 14 to loosely secure the catch pole 14 to a user's wrist. The catch pole 14 contains a twist and lock mechanism 24 which allows the catch pole 14 to be telescopically adjusted to best fit a player's reach. The center of the catch pole 14 is augmented with comfortable insulated foam covering 26 for optimal grip. The second or distal end of the catch pole 14 contains the catch functionality which comprises a unique metal hook 28. The metal hook's 28 shape aesthetically resembles a letter J angled backwards. The tip end or bottom of the J hook 28 substantially curls back up, over and downward facing in a general direction away from the catch pole 14.

The aforementioned catch pole of the toy device 10 of the present invention is utilized to roll a vertically positioned hoop 12 along a hard surface such as concrete. The metal hook 26 of the catch pole 14 is employed to both manipulate the hoop 12 through skilled turns and twists and to stop the motion of the hoop 12 at the conclusion of play. The sound created as the metal hoop 12 travels along a sidewalk, driveway or parking lot has a soothing Zen like cadence that facilitates a user's concentration.

A mobile contraption operated simply by pushing and steering, the toy device 10 of the present invention is safely and easily enjoyed by elementary school age children as well as older teenagers and adults. Producing forward motion and capable of turning corners with precision, the toy device 10 helps younger children and adults sharpen their hand eye coordination while providing amusement. The addition of soothing sounds powered by the motion of the present invention provides inspiring noises while the toy device 10 is in action. This high energy toy invention inspires rambunctious children to channel their restlessness, aggression and desire for fun into a positive activity. Played alone for self entertainment and fun, the present invention exercises mental focus, physical flexibility and active coordination skills. Played with friends by staging races and obstacle courses, the present invention motivates healthy camaraderie and competition. Affordably priced and durably constructed, the toy device will withstand fun filled hours for many years.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claim. 

1. A toy device for challenging a user's skill and acumen while providing both fun and exercise, the toy device comprising: a circular hoop having a center hub, a plurality of spokes extending from the center hub, and an outer rim surrounding the plurality of spokes; and an elongated catch pole having a first end and a second end, the second end of the catch pole having a hook; wherein the hook formed on the second end of the catch pole is capable of rolling the circular hoop positioned in a vertical manner upon the outer rim; and wherein the catch pole is capable of manipulating the circular hoop through skilled turns and twists and to stop the motion of the hoop at conclusion of play.
 2. The toy device of claim 1 wherein the hoop and catch pole are constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum and stainless steel.
 3. The toy device of claim 1 and further comprising: six spokes.
 4. The toy device of claim 1 and further comprising: a tether strap secured to the first end of the catch pole; wherein the tether strap is capable of loosely securing the catch pole to a user.
 5. The toy device of claim 1 wherein the length of the catch pole is adjustable.
 6. The toy device of claim 5 and further comprising: a twist and lock mechanism between the first end and second end of the catch pole allowing the length of the catch pole to be telescopically adjusted.
 7. The toy device of claim 1 and further comprising: an insulated foam covering positioned at approximate center of the catch pole.
 8. The toy device of claim 1 wherein the hook formed at the second end of the catch pole has a configuration similar to a letter J angled backwards.
 9. The toy device of claim 8 wherein a tip end of the J configured hook substantially curls back up, over and downward facing in a general direction away from the catch pole.
 10. The toy device of claim 1 and further comprising: a created sound as the circular hoop travels along a hard surface.
 11. The toy device of claim 10 wherein the created sound is a soothing Zen like cadence capable of facilitating a concentration.
 12. A method for challenging a user's skill and acumen while providing both fun and exercise, the method comprising: providing a circular hoop having a center hub, a plurality of spokes extending from the center hub, and an outer rim surrounding the plurality of spokes; providing an elongated catch pole having a first end and a second end; forming a hook at the second end of the catch pole; positioning the circular hoop in a vertical manner upon the outer rim; manipulating the circular hoop through skilled turns and twists; and stopping the motion of the hoop at conclusion of play.
 13. A toy device for challenging a user's skill and acumen while providing both fun and exercise, the toy device comprising: a circular hoop having a center hub, a plurality of spokes extending from the center hub, and an outer rim surrounding the plurality of spokes; an elongated catch pole having a first end and a second end, the catch pole having an adjustable length, the second end of the catch pole having a hook; and a tether strap secured to the first end of the catch pole; wherein the hook formed at the second end of the catch pole has a configuration similar to a letter J angled backwards; wherein the hook formed on the second end of the catch pole is capable of rolling the circular hoop positioned in a vertical manner upon the outer rim; and wherein the catch pole is capable of manipulating the circular hoop through skilled turns and twists and to stop the motion of the hoop at conclusion of play.
 14. The toy device of claim 13 wherein the hoop and catch pole are constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum and stainless steel.
 15. The toy device of claim 13 and further comprising: six spokes.
 16. The toy device of claim 13 wherein the tether strap is capable of loosely securing the catch pole to a user.
 17. The toy device of claim 13 and further comprising: a twist and lock mechanism between the first end and second end of the catch pole allowing the length of the catch pole to be telescopically adjusted.
 18. The toy device of claim 13 and further comprising: an insulated foam covering positioned at approximate center of the catch pole.
 19. The toy device of claim 13 wherein a tip end of the J configured hook substantially curls back up, over and downward facing in a general direction away from the catch pole.
 20. The toy device of claim 13 and further comprising: a created sound as the circular hoop travels along a hard surface; wherein the created sound is a soothing Zen like cadence capable of facilitating a concentration. 